Smoke Inn Blog Smoke Inn Cigar Talk
Friday nights have always been my favorite kind of reset.
The work week is behind me, the chores are done, and for a few precious hours there is nowhere to be, nothing to fix, and nobody demanding my attention. This particular Friday evening was shaping up to be one of those perfect South Florida nights that seem custom-made for a premium cigar.
Dinner had been outstanding. Thick grilled beef tips cooked just right, wild rice, and a healthy serving of grilled vegetables fresh off the grill. It was hearty without being heavy, satisfying without leaving me feeling sluggish. The kind of meal that sets the stage for a serious cigar.
As the clock approached 8 p.m., I reached into the humidor and selected the AJ Fernandez Enclave Broadleaf Toro.
Even before cutting the cap, I took a moment to admire it.
The dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper looked rugged and substantial. Deep espresso in color with a slight oily sheen, the leaf had that unmistakable Broadleaf character—rustic, toothy, and full of personality. The large red-and-gold Enclave band stood proudly against the dark wrapper, giving the cigar an elegant appearance while hinting at the richness waiting underneath.
I stepped out onto the lanai overlooking the pool and freshly mowed backyard. The scent of freshly cut grass still lingered in the warm evening air. The pool lights reflected softly across the water, creating a calm glow that danced across the screened enclosure. The neighborhood had quieted down for the evening, leaving only the distant sound of sprinklers and the occasional rustle of palm fronds moving in the gentle breeze.
Before lighting the cigar, I prepared my traditional companions for the evening: a strong Italian double espresso and a glass of sparkling water.
The rich aroma of the espresso mingled beautifully with the sweet tobacco scent coming from the foot of the cigar. I clipped the cap and took a cold draw.
Immediately I found notes of cocoa powder, cedar, dark earth, and a subtle sweetness that reminded me of baker’s chocolate. There was also a faint peppery tingle that hinted at what was to come.
The foot toasted evenly, and after the first few draws, the Enclave Broadleaf announced itself with authority.
The opening third delivered exactly what I hoped for from a Broadleaf cigar.
Bold black pepper immediately hit the palate, followed by layers of dark chocolate, roasted espresso beans, and rich earth. The smoke was thick and creamy, coating my mouth with flavor. Every draw seemed richer than the last.
The retrohale carried a healthy amount of pepper but remained surprisingly refined. It wasn’t harsh; it simply commanded attention.
As I settled deeper into my chair and took a sip of the espresso, something special happened. The cigar and coffee began working together.
The espresso amplified the cigar’s cocoa notes while the cigar brought out deeper roasted flavors in the coffee. It became difficult to tell where one ended and the other began. They simply complemented each other perfectly.
About halfway through the first third, the pepper softened and allowed additional complexity to emerge.
Sweet cedar began to appear.
Hints of leather joined the profile.
The dark chocolate became richer and creamier.
There was even a subtle molasses-like sweetness that occasionally drifted in and out of the background.
The burn line remained razor sharp. The ash was firm and bright gray, holding well beyond an inch before gently falling into the ashtray.
As the second third began, the Enclave Broadleaf found its sweet spot.
This is where the cigar truly impressed me.
The flavors became deeper and more balanced. Rich espresso, toasted oak, leather, dark cocoa, and roasted nuts all intertwined beautifully. The strength had moved solidly into medium-full territory, but the cigar remained incredibly smooth.
I leaned back and watched the smoke rise toward the lanai ceiling.
The pool water shimmered in the darkness.
The smell of the freshly cut lawn mixed with the aroma of the cigar.
Every now and then I would take a sip of sparkling water, cleansing the palate and allowing the next draw to reveal something new.
This is what I appreciate most about AJ Fernandez cigars.
They are bold without becoming overwhelming.
Powerful without sacrificing flavor.
Complex without becoming confusing.
The Enclave Broadleaf perfectly demonstrated that philosophy.
As the final third approached, the cigar shifted gears again.
The sweetness receded slightly while darker notes moved forward. Charred oak, espresso, earth, and black pepper became the dominant flavors. The smoke grew denser and more concentrated. The retrohale became more robust, delivering waves of cedar and spice that reminded me why Broadleaf and Nicaraguan tobacco make such an outstanding combination.
The strength reached full territory, yet the cigar never became harsh or bitter.
Even nearing the nub, the construction remained flawless.
No touch-ups.
No relights.
No tunneling.
Just a slow, deliberate burn that rewarded patience.
As the cigar wound down, I found myself reflecting on how enjoyable simple moments can be.
No fancy lounge.
No special occasion.
No distractions.
Just a well-made cigar, a strong espresso, a quiet South Florida evening, and the satisfaction of ending the week exactly the way it should be ended.
The AJ Fernandez Enclave Broadleaf Toro delivered everything I wanted from a Broadleaf cigar—rich flavor, impeccable construction, evolving complexity, and enough strength to keep every draw interesting from beginning to end.
When the final inch became too warm to hold comfortably, I set the cigar down and watched the last wisps of smoke drift into the night air above the pool.
Some cigars are smoked.
Others are experienced.
This one was definitely experienced.
Purchase AJ Fernandez Enclave Broadleaf Toro at Smoke Inn!
